News article

Core Maths for the majority

13 September 2016

Core Maths, a qualification designed to encourage young people in England to continue studying mathematics after the age of 16, has seen an 80% pass rate in the first sitting of exams.

The Core Maths Support Programme, set up to advise schools and train teachers in the delivery of this new qualification, is delivered by Education Development Trust on behalf of the UK government's Department for Education. Almost 3000 students sat the first ever qualifications in summer 2016, with results announced on 18 August.

Mick Blaylock, Head of the Core Maths Support Programme, comments: "The results the programme has achieved during this first examination period are fantastic, and we are very proud of all those who sat the first set of Core Maths exams earlier this year.

"However, the message we are getting from employers and universities remains that we need more young people to stick with maths, and to make that happen we need to make maths more interesting and relevant to them."

This post 16 course focuses on problem solving and practical mathematical concepts, and is designed to help students retain, deepen and extend their knowledge of maths in everyday life. The qualifications have been designed in association with employers, universities and professional bodies, who all gave valuable input into how the qualification could prepare young people for employment and further studies.

A Core Maths student who took part in the recent exams said: "I think for students who still want to continue with some form of maths but who may be put off by A Level maths, Core Maths is perfect…I would definitely recommend it."

To find out more about Core Maths, view resources or register interest in teaching Core Maths in your centre, please visit www.core-maths.org [this will open in a new window].